Chapter 12
Introduction to the New Zealand TUI Research Programme
John Fairweather
Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit
Lincoln University
12.1
Outline of the research programme
Generally, the research programme focuses on the following:
 Technology users as a source of innovation
 Elucidating how socio-technical networks work to help or hinder innovation
 Identifying the unique technology governance factors in New Zealand
 Identifying the distinctive cultural qualities of New Zealand innovation
 3 years, NZ$ 1.8m, ends September this year
 http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/tui.
There are two main research objectives:
1. User innovation and socio-technical networks in selected New Zealand sectors
2. Cross-cultural comparisons of New Zealand innovation culture
Approach and methods:
 Science and Technology Studies approach
 Case study interview data: formal case comparisons (fsQCA); analysis of actors, flows
and success
 Cultural modelling
 Analysis of available survey data
The farming, building and energy sectors were included.
Key milestones and outcomes:
 Determine the factors supporting or discouraging innovation
 Determine the distinctive cultural, governance and social capital factors influencing
innovation
 Why? In order to contribute to:
 an enhanced innovation rate
 improved innovation governance.
Key end users:
 Ministry of Science and Innovation
 Ministry of Economic Development
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Building Research Association of NZ
Department of Building and Housing
Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority
The Federation of Maori Authorities
Fletchers Construction Company.
Rationale for the research:
 There is a need to improve NZ’s innovation ranking
 Where do we stand in terms of innovation rating?
Country
United States
Germany
Sweden
United Kingdom
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Denmark
Japan
Netherlands
New Zealand
GII Total
5.28
4.99
4.84
4.82
4.81
4.73
4.73
4.69
4.65
4.64
3.97
GII Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
27
Country
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Iceland
Ireland
Hong Kong
Finland
United States
Japan
Sweden
New Zealand
III Total
2.45
2.26
2.23
2.17
1.88
1.88
1.87
1.80
1.79
1.64
0.77
III Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
26
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